Explain how carbon particulates and sulfur dioxide, produced by burning fossil fuels, each harm the environment or human health.

AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.9.3 Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

Carbon particulates released from fossil‑fuel combustion scatter and absorb sunlight, causing global dimming – a reduction in the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. This can alter weather patterns and reduce photosynthesis in plants.
Sulphur dioxide emitted from burning fossil fuels dissolves in atmospheric moisture to form sulphuric acid. When it falls as acid rain it damages trees, harms aquatic ecosystems and corrodes buildings and statues.

Examiner tips

  • Use the term "global dimming" and explain its effect on sunlight reaching the surface. Mention that sulphur dioxide forms sulphuric acid in rain. Show the environmental impacts: trees, aquatic life, buildings/statues.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing carbon particulates with carbon dioxide. Failing to link sulphur dioxide to acid rain. Omitting the specific damage to trees, aquatic life or buildings.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Carbon particulates cause global dimming
  2. Global dimming is a reduction in the amount of (sun)light reaching the Earth's surface
  3. Sulfur dioxide dissolves in rainwater / reacts with water to form acid rain
  4. Acid rain damages / kills trees, harms aquatic life, or damages buildings / statues

Key terms in this question

carbon particulates · sulfur dioxide · fossil fuels

Related

More Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources questions

▶ Try answering this question with AI marking (free) →